When does cervical effacement typically begin?

Cervical effacement typically begins before the onset of true labor. This process refers to the thinning and shortening of the cervix in preparation for childbirth. During the weeks leading up to labor, the body undergoes various hormonal changes that trigger the softening of cervical tissues and gradual effacement.

This preparation is an important physiological change that allows the cervix to become more flexible and ready for dilation as labor progresses. Effacement is often measured in percentages, with 100% indicating complete thinning of the cervix.

While some women may not experience significant effacement until labor is approaching, it is common for changes to start well in advance, especially in women who have had previous pregnancies. Understanding this timeline helps in assessing the overall progress of labor and preparing for delivery as effacement is a key indicator of cervical readiness.